RSA Journal
Editorial Illustration
How feminist urban design is shaping a fairer Glasgow
The RSA Journal is the magazine of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, an organisation dedicated to exploring practical solutions to social challenges. The publication features in-depth articles, interviews, and research across areas such as education, the environment, design, and social policy. It serves as a space for new ideas, diverse voices, and critical discussions, connecting readers with projects and innovations shaping a fairer, more sustainable future.
I was commissioned to create a paper illustration for an upcoming issue of the RSA Journal. The feature focused on feminist urban planning, a theme within the wider issue exploring Mobility and Opportunity. Central to the piece was Holly Bruce, a Scottish Green Party member who played a key role in implementing feminist town planning strategies in Glasgow. The article examines how applying a feminist perspective has shaped infrastructure, inclusivity, and social mobility, reflecting on successes, challenges, and lessons learned. It also considers how the approach has been received by the public and how it continues to work a year after its introduction.
My Approach
I began by sketching several distinctive Glasgow buildings, using a reference photograph to capture recognisable architectural forms. These were arranged in a digital drawing shaped around the female symbol, forming the basis of the final composition. I created a medium-sized paper sculpture of the female symbol as a three-dimensional block, with a paper-cut illustrated city positioned on top at an angle so that each element would be visible from the camera’s perspective. The design was kept deliberately simple, focusing on bold, layered shapes and clear silhouettes to highlight key buildings and create a strong visual impact.
Made, photographed and retouched in-house.
Software: Adobe illustrator, Silhouette Studio
Materials:
Paper consisted of:
GF Smith – Colorplan
Dispa Board
All paper and board is 100% recyclable
Kit: Sony a7r mark 2
Client: Wardour
Copy: Holly Bruce
End Client: RSA Journal
Art Direction: Hayden Russell
Illustration: Sam Pierpoint
Photography + Retouching: Mike Foyle
